The studio unveiled the early look at the upcoming prequel 'Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' on 20th November, giving audiences their first glimpse at the origin story of Haymitch Abernathy. The film, directed by Francis Lawrence and adapted from Suzanne Collins' novel, explores how a young Haymitch is forced into the 50th Hunger Games long before he became the mentor portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the original franchise.

Cast of 'Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping'

Rising actor Joseph Zada, 20, takes on the role of the younger Haymitch, stepping into the arena as his character faces the brutal Quarter Quell. Zada, known for his breakout in 'We Were Liars,' leads the cast alongside Whitney Peak, who plays Lenore Dove Baird.

The film features an impressive ensemble, including McKenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, Ben Wang, Edvin Ryding, Elle Fanning, Kieran Culkin, Glenn Close, Billy Porter and Iris Apatow. Ralph Fiennes joins the franchise as President Snow, taking over the role previously played by Donald Sutherland.

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More on 'Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping'

This new chapter marks the sixth instalment in the blockbuster 'Hunger Games' series. The original films began in 2012 with Jennifer Lawrence starring as Katniss Everdeen, followed by Catching Fire in 2013 and the two Mockingjay films in 2014 and 2015. The series expanded again in 2023 with the prequel 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,' starring Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth.

Image Courtesy: People

'Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' continues to expand Collins' dystopian world by shedding light on Haymitch's legendary Quarter Quell victory, an event that shaped his future and the fate of District 12.

The 'Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' arrives in theatres on 20th November, 2026.

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Fans of the 'It' universe will encounter more than just Pennywise when 'It: Welcome to Derry' premieres later this month. The prequel series, set in 1962—27 years before the Losers Club first confronts the infamous dancing clown—introduces a new generation of characters while bringing back a familiar face from Stephen King's wider universe: Dick Hallorann, now portrayed by Chris Chalk.

At a New York Comic Con panel, Chalk and his co-stars—including Jovan Adepo, Taylour Paige, James Remar, Stephen Rider, and Kimberly Guerrero—offered a sneak peek at the prequel. Chalk revealed that Dick Hallorann arrives in Derry not as the wise mentor fans remember from 'The Shining,' but as a man dealing with his own mistakes and inner fears.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

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What's There For Dick Hallorann in 'It: Welcome to Derry'

Chalk explained that this version of Dick is grappling with personal failures and is wary of the malevolent entity terrorising Derry. Unlike the compassionate and guiding figure seen in Kubrick's 'The Shining,' the miniseries, and Mike Flanagan's 'Doctor Sleep,' this Hallorann is sceptical of those around him and struggles with his own psychic abilities.

Prior portrayals of Dick Hallorann include Scatman Crothers in 'The Shining,' Melvin van Peebles in the 1990s miniseries, and Carl Lumbly in 'Doctor Sleep.' In those stories, Hallorann served as a mentor to Danny Torrance, helping him understand and control his "shine." 'It: Welcome to Derry,' however, explores Dick at an earlier stage in his life—before he has fully mastered his powers or taken on a guiding role.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

Chalk described the character's journey in the prequel as one of self-discovery, emphasising that Dick's greatest fear is himself and the loss of control over his abilities. This portrayal offers fans a deeper look at Hallorann's inner life and spiritual struggles.

 Dick Hallorann And 'It: Welcome to Derry' Reaction

The series also ties Hallorann more closely to the origins of Pennywise, using his "shining" abilities as a crucial element in uncovering the dark history of Derry's infamous clown. Executive producer Barbara confirmed that Dick appears in King's original 'It' novel, noting that his presence provides key context for understanding the entity's backstory.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

'It: Welcome to Derry' draws on the novel's five interludes as a blueprint, exploring the hidden events that transform the mysterious force into Pennywise. Director and producer Andy Muschietti described the storytelling approach as backwards-looking, gradually revealing the reasons and secrets behind the horror.

The prequel series will debut on 26th October 2025, on HBO Max, offering fans a fresh yet deeply connected chapter in Stephen King's terrifying universe.

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HBO has confirmed the prequel to the nail-biting fantasy drama, 'Game of Thrones', and fans are eagerly waiting for the events to unfold.

HBO announced that the series will be based off of George R.R Martin’s ‘Fire and Blood’ and is set to be a 10 episode spinoff of the original series. This plot will be taking place 300 years before the main events of ‘The Game Of Thrones’ and will focus on the story behind the House of Targaryen.

Miguel Sapochnik and Ryan Condal will partner as showrunners, according to the premium cable channel. "The 'Game of Thrones' universe is so rich with stories," said Casey Bloys, president of HBO programming. "We look forward to exploring the origins of House Targaryen and the earlier days of Westeros along with Miguel, Ryan and George."  

The project will mark HBO's first official follow-up to "Game of Thrones," which won best drama series at the Emmys back in September. 

We hope the new series will be a real treat for all the fans out there!